JP2005343303A - Operation support device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce behavior felt by a driver at control at a low vehicle speed area and to enhance a deviation margin time, a reaction time of the driver and feeling relative to an alarm torque when lane departure prevention control is performed. <P>SOLUTION: In a departure prevention support ECU 10 in a travel support device 1, application torque applied to a steering torque application means 17 is set based on a vehicle speed of the vehicle. The application torque is set to a large degree as the vehicle speed is high. The upper limit value corresponding to the vehicle speed is set to the application torque. Further, a variation ratio until it arrives at the maximum value in response to the maximum value of the application torque is determined at Start section when the application torque is applied. It is set such that the application torque is reduced at the variation ratio different from the Start section at Close section and an absolute value of the application torque at the Start section becomes larger than an absolute value of the application torque at the Close section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving support device, and more particularly, to a driving support device that performs lane departure prevention support for preventing a running vehicle from departing from a lane.

There is a vehicle having a lane departure prevention function for preventing a vehicle traveling on a road on which a lane is drawn from deviating from the lane. As an apparatus having such a lane departure prevention function, for example, there is an apparatus disclosed in JP-A-7-104850. This device tracks the center line between lanes, and when the vehicle deviates from the center line, an electric motor coupled to the steering mechanism applies torque to the vehicle steering mechanism to bring the vehicle to the center line position. It is to return.
JP-A-7-104850

  However, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no particular mention regarding the pattern or magnitude of torque applied to the steering mechanism. As a method of giving such torque, conventionally, an applied torque is applied with a constant rudder angle pattern and torque pattern. In the torque pattern here, the gradient and maximum value of the torque to be applied are set to be constant.

  However, in the control with such a constant torque pattern, there is a problem that when the control is performed in a low vehicle speed range, the driver strongly feels the behavior of the vehicle with respect to the control. There has also been a desire to improve the feeling of deviation margin time, driver reaction time, and alarm torque.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to reduce the behavior felt by the driver during the control in the low vehicle speed range when performing the lane departure prevention control, and improve the departure margin time, the driver reaction time, and further the feeling against the alarm torque. It is in providing the driving assistance device which can be made to do.

  The driving support apparatus according to the present invention that has solved the above problems is a driving support apparatus that prevents a lane departure by adding an alarm torque to the vehicle when the lane departure determining means determines that the running vehicle is out of the lane. The alarm torque to be applied to the vehicle is determined based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle.

  The driving assistance apparatus according to the present invention determines the alarm torque to be added when it is determined that the vehicle deviates from the vehicle speed. Thus, by determining the alarm torque based on the vehicle speed, the behavior felt by the driver during control in the low vehicle speed range is reduced, and the margin for departure, the response time of the driver, and the feeling against the alarm torque are improved. Control can be performed.

  Here, the warning torque can be increased as the vehicle speed of the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle departs from the lane.

  Thus, the yaw rate given to the vehicle can be reduced by performing control to increase the alarm torque as the vehicle speed of the vehicle is higher. Since it is considered that the driver feels the behavior of the vehicle strongly at the yaw rate, the behavior that the driver feels in the low vehicle speed range can be reduced by reducing the yaw rate.

  In addition, when the alarm torque is added to the vehicle, the alarm torque may be set to have a constant magnitude of the yaw rate generated by the vehicle.

  In this way, by setting the magnitude of the alarm torque so that the yaw rate generated in the vehicle becomes constant, the behavior that the driver feels in the low vehicle speed range can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to set an upper limit value for the alarm torque applied to the vehicle.

  When the alarm torque corresponding to the vehicle speed is added, the behavior felt by the driver at a low vehicle speed range can be reduced, but conversely, the behavior felt by the driver at a high vehicle speed range may be increased. On the other hand, by setting an upper limit value for the alarm torque, the alarm torque can be prevented from becoming too large even in the high vehicle speed range. Therefore, the behavior felt by the driver can be prevented from becoming large.

  Here, the upper limit value may be an alarm torque at the reference vehicle speed.

  By setting the upper limit value set for the alarm torque to be added to the vehicle to the alarm torque at the reference vehicle speed, the upper limit value of the alarm torque to be added to the vehicle can be easily set.

  Further, it is also possible to set an alarm torque change rate until reaching the maximum value of the alarm torque based on the maximum value of the alarm torque applied to the vehicle.

  When adding the warning torque, if the rate of change until reaching the maximum value of the warning torque is constant, the timing at which the intended vehicle behavior occurs varies. Further, when the alarm torque is reduced, the time until the alarm torque disappears varies. Thus, these problems can be solved by setting the rate of change of the alarm torque based on the maximum value of the alarm torque.

  Further, the rate of change of the alarm torque can be set so that the time until the alarm torque reaches the maximum value is constant.

  When the alarm torque is large, it takes a long time to reach the maximum value, so that there is a problem that a sufficient margin for departure cannot be ensured at a high vehicle speed range. Therefore, when setting the rate of change of the alarm torque, by setting the rate of change of the alarm torque so that the time until the maximum value of the alarm torque is reached based on the maximum value of the alarm torque, the alarm torque is set. It is possible to prevent the time until reaching the maximum value from becoming too long. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient deviation margin time in the high vehicle speed range.

  In addition, the driving support apparatus according to the present invention that has solved the above problem is a driving that prevents the lane departure by adding an alarm torque to the vehicle when the lane departure determining means determines that the running vehicle is out of the lane. In the support device, after the alarm torque is increased, the absolute value of the rate of change of the alarm torque when the alarm torque is increased and when the alarm torque is decreased is set to a different value when the increased alarm torque is decreased. is there.

  If the rate of change of the alarm torque is constant when the alarm torque is increased and decreased, it is difficult to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver at once by ensuring the deviation margin time or suddenly releasing the alarm torque. is there. In this regard, by setting the absolute value of the rate of change of each of the alarm torques to different values when increasing or decreasing the alarm torque, it is possible to easily perform control that solves these problems at once.

  Here, the absolute value of the rate of change when the alarm torque increases can be set to a value larger than the absolute value of the rate of change when the alarm torque decreases.

  By setting the absolute value of the rate of change when the alarm torque is increased to a value greater than the absolute value of the rate of change when the alarm torque is reduced, sufficient deviation margin time can be secured and Thus, it is possible to notify that the departure prevention support has started by the change of the steering torque. In addition, it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver by abruptly decreasing the alarm torque, and to gently converge the behavior of the vehicle until the alarm torque disappears after the alarm torque is generated.

  In addition, the driving support device according to the present invention that has solved the above-described problem is provided with a sudden increase in warning torque when the lane departure determining means determines that the running vehicle is out of the lane and increases the warning torque to the maximum value. The range is set from the starting point of increase, and the rate of increase of the alarm torque in the rapidly increasing range is larger than the rate of increase of the alarm torque after the rapidly increasing range.

  Thus, by making the rate of increase of the alarm torque in the alarm torque rapid increase range larger than the rate of increase of the alarm torque after the rapid increase range, the vehicle behavior for preventing lane departure can be started at an early stage.

  Here, in reducing the alarm torque from the maximum value, the alarm torque sudden decrease range is set from the start of the decrease, and the alarm torque decrease rate in the sudden decrease range may be larger than the decrease rate after the sudden decrease range. it can.

  Thus, by making the decrease rate of the alarm torque in the sudden decrease range larger than the decrease rate after the rapid decrease range, the addition of the alarm torque can be terminated without causing the driver to feel a great sense of discomfort.

  Further, the absolute value of the alarm torque increase rate in the rapid increase range may be smaller than the absolute value of the alarm torque decrease rate in the rapid increase range.

  As described above, by setting the absolute value of the increase rate of the alarm torque in the rapid increase range to a mode smaller than the absolute value of the decrease rate of the alarm torque in the rapid increase range, it is possible to ensure a sufficient deviation margin time, The driver can be informed that the departure prevention support has started by the change of the steering torque. In addition, it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver by abruptly decreasing the alarm torque, and to gently converge the behavior of the vehicle until the alarm torque disappears after the alarm torque is generated.

  Further, the lane departure prevention process by adding the warning torque is set to be terminated by the steering operation, and when the termination process is performed by the steering operation, the setting of the sudden decrease range is stopped. You can also.

  When the driver is performing a steering operation, the driver has already operated the steering in a direction to return the vehicle to the lane without suddenly reducing the alarm torque, and the friction in the steering mechanism has already disappeared. Therefore, in this case, there is no need to set the sudden decrease range of the alarm torque, so the setting of the sudden decrease range is stopped and the alarm torque is decreased without suddenly decreasing.

  According to the driving support device of the present invention, when performing lane departure prevention control, the behavior felt by the driver during control in the low vehicle speed range is reduced, and the margin for departure, the response time of the driver, and the alarm torque are further reduced. The ring can be improved.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a driving support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the driving assistance apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a departure prevention assistance ECU 10. The departure prevention assisting ECU 10 is connected to a vehicle speed detecting means 11, a steering torque detecting means 12, a white line recognition camera 13, a brake switch 14, a blinker switch 15, and a main switch 16. In addition, a steering torque applying means 17, an alarm buzzer 18, and a meter 19 are connected to the ECU 10.

  The departure prevention assisting ECU 10 determines whether or not the vehicle departs from the lane based on information output from the vehicle speed detection means 11, the steering torque detection means 12, the white line recognition camera 13, and the like. As a result, when it is determined that the vehicle departs from the lane after a predetermined time, a predetermined signal is output to the steering torque applying means 17, the alarm buzzer 18, and the like. More detailed functions of the departure prevention support ECU 10 will be described later.

  The vehicle speed detection means 11 is attached to the front wheel portion of the vehicle, for example, and detects the vehicle speed when the host vehicle travels. The vehicle speed detection means 11 outputs the detected vehicle speed to the departure prevention assisting ECU 10.

  The steering torque detection means 12 is attached to, for example, a steering rod connected to the steering in the vehicle interior, and detects the steering torque input to the steering by the driver's steering operation. The steering torque detection means 12 outputs the detected steering torque to the departure prevention assist ECU 10.

  The white line recognition camera 13 is disposed, for example, in a position overlooking the outside of the vehicle from the upper part of the windshield in the vehicle interior, and images the situation outside the vehicle as seen through the windshield. The white line recognizing camera 13 outputs the captured outside situation to the departure prevention assisting ECU 10.

  The brake switch 14 is attached to, for example, a brake pedal in the passenger compartment, and detects the operation of the brake pedal by the driver. The brake switch 14 outputs a brake signal to the departure prevention assisting ECU 10 when the driver operates the brake pedal to cause the vehicle to perform a braking operation.

  The blinker switch 15 is attached to, for example, a blinker lever in the passenger compartment, and detects the operation of the blinker by the driver. The winker switch 15 outputs a winker signal to the departure prevention assisting ECU 10 when the driver tries to take out the winker by operating the winker lever.

  The main switch 16 is attached, for example, to a door on the driver's seat side in the passenger compartment. When a driver or the like performs an operation to turn on the main switch 16, the main switch 16 outputs an ON signal to the departure prevention assisting ECU 10. The departure prevention support ECU 10 receives the ON signal and starts departure prevention support.

  As the steering torque applying means 17, for example, an electric motor in an electric power steering device connected to a steering rod is used. The steering torque applying means 17 applies a predetermined steering torque, which is the alarm torque of the present invention, to the steering rod based on the applied signal output from the departure prevention assisting ECU 10. In this specification, the steering torque applied by the steering torque applying means 17 is referred to as applied torque.

  The alarm buzzer 18 is provided, for example, in an instrument panel portion in the passenger compartment, and issues an alarm of a predetermined volume that reaches the driver. The alarm buzzer 18 has a plurality of types of signals, and a predetermined type of alarm is output based on the alarm signal output from the departure prevention support ECU 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the meter 19 is provided with a speed meter 21 and a tachometer 22. The display portion of the speed meter 21 includes a departure prevention support execution display 23 represented by characters “LKA”, a steering control execution display 24, a white line recognition display 25, a radar cruise display 26, and a radar cruise set speed display 27. Is displayed. These display portions are appropriately displayed based on a display signal output from the departure prevention assisting ECU 10.

  The operation | movement and effect | action in the driving assistance device 1 in this embodiment which has the above structure are demonstrated. In this embodiment, when performing lane departure prevention support, there is a feature in the pattern of applied torque applied to the steering torque application means 17 when performing lane departure prevention. Before detailed description regarding this feature, driving support control is performed. The whole will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the driving support apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the driving assistance apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the departure prevention assisting ECU 10 confirms that the main switch 16 is turned on as pre-processing for starting driving assistance. If the main switch 16 is ON, white line information processing for extracting a white line from an image taken by the white line recognition camera 13 is performed, and the white line of the lane in which the host vehicle travels is recognized. Then, white line recognition processing is performed, and flag processing based on the detection result of the white line is performed. After performing the white line information processing, it is determined whether steering assistance is possible (S1). Whether or not steering assistance is possible is determined based on vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed detection unit 11, information on whether or not a white line is recognized by white line information processing, and the like.

  After determining whether or not steering assistance is possible, a driver operation determination is performed (S2). The driver's operation determination is made based on a steering torque signal output from the steering torque detection means 12, a brake signal output from the brake switch 14, a winker signal output from the winker switch 15, and the like. When the steering torque signal indicates a predetermined torque amount, it is determined that the driver has operated the steering. When a brake signal is output from the brake switch 14, it is determined that the driver has performed a brake operation. When a winker signal is output from the winker switch 15, it is determined that the driver has performed a blinker operation. Based on the determination results of these driver operations, it is determined whether or not to continue driving support.

  When the driver operation determination is performed, the deviation mitigation control operation amount is calculated (S3). Here, the target torque required to return the vehicle to the lane is calculated. The deviation mitigation control operation amount is calculated using the turning radius of the host vehicle and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle that are determined based on the turning angle of the steering. A predetermined upper limit value is set for the deviation mitigation control operation amount. The calculation of the deviation mitigation control manipulated variable will be further described later.

  After calculating the departure mitigation control operation amount, lane departure determination is performed (S4). Here, it is determined whether or not the vehicle departs from the lane after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, about 1 second, and whether or not the steering torque applying means 17 is requested to be operated based on the determination result of lane departure. Make a decision. The lane departure determination is performed based on the steering support availability state, the white line detection state, the offset amount of the host vehicle with respect to the lane, the yaw angle, the estimated road R, the lane width, and the like.

  Now, it is assumed that the host vehicle M is traveling on the road R as shown in FIG. Here, based on the speed of the own vehicle M, the yaw angle, the offset amount with respect to the road R, etc., the travel arrival position of the own vehicle M after about 1 second is calculated. As a result, when it is determined that the travel route C1 until the host vehicle M reaches the travel arrival position travels on the white line W, the applied torque calculated in the subsequent processing is added by the steering torque applying means 17, for example, The travel route is C2. In this way, control is performed to change the travel route. In this way, by changing the travel route from C1 to C2, it is possible to lengthen the departure margin time until the vehicle departs from the white line. By extending the departure margin time, an applied torque is applied to the steering wheel, and the driver is notified of the danger of departure, thereby preventing lane departure.

  After performing the lane departure determination, the departure mitigation control target torque is calculated (S5). Here, the waveform of the applied torque that is actually applied by the steering torque applying means 17 with respect to the deviation mitigation operation amount is calculated. The waveform of the applied torque at this time will be further described later.

  When the departure mitigation control target torque is calculated, a buzzer sounding process is performed to notify the driver that departure prevention support is to be performed (S6). In the lane departure determination process, when it is determined that the vehicle departs from the lane and the applied torque is applied by the steering torque applying means 17, an alarm of a predetermined sound is output from the alarm buzzer 18.

  Further, a buzzer sounding process is performed and an alarm display process is performed (S7). In the lane departure determination process, when it is determined that the vehicle departs from the lane and the applied torque is applied by the steering torque applying means 17, the departure prevention support execution display 23 and the white line recognition display are performed on the meter 19. The

  Then, driving support is completed by performing a predetermined data output process (S8).

  Now, the waveform of the applied torque applied by the steering torque applying means 17 will be described. In the departure prevention assisting ECU 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, the applied torque having the waveform shown in FIG. 5 is output to the steering torque applying means 17 and applied to the steering rod as the applied torque from the steering torque applying means 17.

  In the waveform shown in FIG. 5, the applied torque is increased at a constant rate of change from the start of departure prevention support until the maximum applied torque is reached (Start interval). When the applied maximum torque is reached, the applied torque is maintained for a while (Keep section). After that, when the application end condition is satisfied, the applied torque is decreased (Close period), and after being decreased for a while, the applied torque is decreased until the decrease rate is reduced to zero. Then, the process ends (Freeze section). Below, the idea about the setting of the waveform of an applied torque is demonstrated individually.

  In creating such an applied torque waveform, first, an applied maximum torque is determined. The applied maximum torque is determined in accordance with the vehicle speed of the host vehicle as the deviation mitigation control operation amount in step S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. When the maximum applied torque is constant regardless of the vehicle speed, there is no particular problem in terms of steering feeling and vehicle behavior with respect to the magnitude of the maximum applied torque in the high vehicle speed range. However, when a maximum applied torque of a magnitude that does not cause a problem in the vehicle behavior at a high vehicle speed range is applied in the low vehicle speed range, the vehicle behavior is felt greatly, causing a problem in terms of a driver's steering feeling.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a case where the maximum applied torque is made constant regardless of the vehicle speed is considered. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), the vehicle speed and the yaw rate are in an inversely proportional relationship, and as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the lateral acceleration is constant regardless of the vehicle speed. Therefore, when the vehicle speed increases, the lateral acceleration does not change, but the yaw rate decreases. This decrease in yaw rate is thought to lead to a sense of discomfort in the steering feeling given to the driver.

  In order to alleviate such discomfort, the maximum applied torque is set according to the vehicle speed. In this way, by setting the maximum applied torque according to the vehicle speed and increasing the maximum applied torque as the vehicle speed increases, it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver during the lane departure prevention support.

  In particular, it is preferable to set the yaw rate generated in the vehicle to be constant when giving the maximum applied torque. As shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the maximum applied torque is set to increase as the vehicle speed increases. In setting such maximum applied torque, it is preferable to set the maximum applied torque so that the yaw rate is constant regardless of the vehicle speed, as shown in FIG. 7B.

  By setting the maximum applied torque so that the yaw rate is constant regardless of the vehicle speed, as shown in FIG. 7C, the lateral acceleration changes according to the vehicle speed, and the lateral acceleration increases as the vehicle speed increases. Can do. Therefore, the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver when applying the applied torque can be further reduced.

  By the way, it is possible to increase the maximum applied torque as the vehicle speed increases, so that the difference between the maximum applied torque and the actual vehicle behavior does not become too large in the low to medium and high vehicle speed ranges of 50 to 100 km / h. However, in this case, in a high vehicle speed range that exceeds the low to medium high vehicle speed range, the lateral acceleration, that is, the actual vehicle behavior becomes too large, and the driver may feel uncomfortable.

  Therefore, in setting the maximum applied torque, an upper limit value is set for the vehicle speed in changing the maximum applied torque in accordance with the vehicle speed. This upper limit value is determined according to the reference vehicle speed, for example. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), when performing the prevention prevention support at a vehicle speed equal to or lower than the reference vehicle speed set as the upper limit value, the maximum applied torque is changed according to the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed increases. The maximum applied torque is increased so that the yaw rate is constant as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the maximum applied torque is made constant when performing the prevention prevention support at a vehicle speed that exceeds the reference vehicle speed. Although the yaw rate is reduced by making the maximum applied torque constant, the lateral acceleration becomes constant as shown in FIG. 8C, and the difference between the steering torque and the actual vehicle behavior becomes small.

  By setting the maximum applied torque in this way, it is possible to alleviate the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver as the yaw rate decreases in the low vehicle speed range. Further, in the high vehicle speed range, it is possible to alleviate the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver due to the difference between the steering torque and the actual vehicle behavior.

  Next, the deviation mitigation control target torque calculated in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 will be described. Here, the waveform of the applied torque is set until the maximum applied torque is reached and until the applied torque becomes zero from the maximum applied torque. The waveform of the applied torque is set based on the maximum applied torque or the like.

  For example, assume that a basic pattern as shown by a thin line L1 in FIG. 9 is set for the applied torque. When changing to the maximum applied torque corresponding to the vehicle speed with respect to such a basic pattern, as shown by the broken line L2 in FIG. 9, when changing from the maximum applied torque and the rate of change until the maximum applied torque is reached. Assuming that the rate of change of each is constant, if the maximum applied torque is larger than the basic pattern, both the rise time and the fall time become longer.

  Here, if the start-up time is long, the time until the vehicle behavior as intended occurs is long. For this reason, sufficient deviation margin time cannot be secured in the high vehicle speed range. In addition, if the falling time becomes long, the driver does not feel comfortable because the control is not completed promptly even after the operation necessary for assisting the departure operation is completed.

  In response to this problem, as shown by a solid line L3 in FIG. 9, when the applied torque is raised so that the time until the maximum applied torque is reached is a predetermined time, for example, 0.4 sec. Set the rate of change. When the rate of change at the time of starting up the applied torque until reaching the maximum applied torque is set in this way, the time until reaching the maximum applied torque can be made constant. For this reason, it is possible to shorten the time until the desired vehicle behavior occurs. Therefore, a sufficient deviation margin time can be ensured even in the high vehicle speed range. In addition, when the departure prevention support is started at a high vehicle speed range, a large applied torque is added, so the driver is informed through the steering wheel that the vehicle is in a dangerous lane. Can do.

  Similarly to the rate of change at the time of start-up, the rate of change from the start of decrease from the maximum applied torque to the end of application is set based on the maximum applied torque at the time of fall. Further, the rate of change of the alarm torque is set so that the time from the start of reduction from the maximum value of the maximum applied torque to the end of application becomes the second predetermined time. Now, assuming that the rising time of the applied torque is set to the first predetermined time, it is desirable to set the second predetermined time as the falling time to be longer than the first predetermined time. By setting in this way, it is possible to quickly give an alarm after judging that an alarm is necessary at the time of startup, and at the same time reduce the uncomfortable feeling given to the driver due to a sudden change in applied torque. it can.

  Furthermore, when the rate of change at the time of startup is determined, it is conceivable that the applied torque is reduced at the same rate of change as the absolute value of the rate of change at the time of startup. However, if the applied torque is reduced at the same rate of change as the absolute value of the rate of change at start-up, the applied torque suddenly falls off at high vehicle speeds. For this reason, the driver feels uncomfortable.

  Therefore, at the time of falling from the maximum applied torque, as shown by the solid line L3 in FIG. 9, the applied torque is lowered at a rate of change whose absolute value is lower than the absolute value of the rate of change at the time of starting up. Yes. Specifically, for example, the rate of change is set such that the fall time is 0.6 sec.

  In this way, by lowering the applied torque at a rate of change whose absolute value is lower than the absolute value of the rate of change at start-up, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity given to the driver and to gently converge the vehicle behavior. Can be made. Therefore, it is possible to solve problems such as securing a margin for departure at the time of start-up and eliminating a sense of discomfort given to the driver at the time of start-up.

  On the other hand, when starting the departure prevention support, it is required to notify the driver who is driving that the departure prevention support is to be started quickly and reliably. When notifying the driver of the departure prevention support, it is a reliable method to make the driver feel the applied torque. For this reason, when starting the departure prevention support, the driver is required to feel the applied torque early. In the departure prevention support, it is also required to start the vehicle behavior for the departure prevention support at an early stage in order to secure a departure margin time.

  In response to such a request, the initial value of the applied torque is determined based on the friction characteristics of the steering mechanism. When the applied torque by the deviation prevention support is equal to or less than the steering system friction amount by the friction characteristic of the steering mechanism, the driver does not feel the applied torque, and the driver applies the applied torque when the applied torque exceeds the steering system friction amount. You will feel. Further, when the applied torque exceeds the steering system friction amount, the vehicle behavior for assisting in preventing departure occurs.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, the actual characteristics of the steering torque and the lateral acceleration in the host vehicle are determined to determine the actual characteristic curve P1. A tangent line P2 tangent to the actual characteristic curve P1 is obtained, an intersection point between the tangent line P2 and a line having a lateral acceleration of 0 is obtained, a torque amount X indicated by the intersection point is set as a friction compensation amount, and an applied torque is set as an initial value that is a sudden increase range. Set. In this embodiment, the rapid increase range is set as an initial value, but a certain amount of time range can be set to be the rapid increase range.

  In this way, by setting the initial value of the applied torque, it is possible to notify the driver early that departure prevention support has started by making the applied torque feel. In addition, the vehicle behavior for the departure prevention support can be started at an early stage with respect to the own vehicle.

  On the other hand, when the applied torque is reduced from the maximum value, it is required that the applied torque be quickly reduced to zero. However, if the applied torque is reduced to 0 at once, the applied torque suddenly drops, and the driver may feel uncomfortable, and it is required to eliminate such uncomfortable feeling. Also, because the applied torque is relatively strong or the disturbance is small, it is required that the vehicle deflection angle be relaxed when the vehicle returns to the lane without performing the vehicle behavior for preventing departure. Is done.

  In response to such a request, when the applied torque is reduced from the maximum value, the applied torque equivalent to the steering system friction amount can be rapidly reduced. Since the steering system friction amount here acts as a reverse efficiency with respect to the case where the applied torque is increased, the torque amount 2X which is twice the torque amount X shown in FIG. 10 is set as the friction compensation amount. A decrease range of the applied torque corresponding to the friction compensation amount is set as a sudden decrease range. In this sudden decrease range, even if the applied torque rapidly decreases, it is canceled out by the steering friction, so that the driver is less likely to feel uncomfortable with the decrease in the applied torque. Even when the vehicle behavior for departure assistance is not performed, the vehicle deflection angle can be reduced.

  Further, the application of the applied torque by the steering torque applying means 17 is ended when a predetermined application end condition is satisfied. The application end conditions include a steering operation, a brake operation, a winker operation, a main switch-off operation at the time of failure, a return from a lane departure state, and the like. The steering operation, the brake operation, the winker operation, and the main switch-off operation at the time of failure are determined by input signals from the steering torque detecting means 12, the winker switch 15, the brake switch 14, and the main switch 16, respectively. The return from the lane departure state is determined by a calculation process in the departure prevention assist ECU 10.

  Among these, when the application of the applied torque is terminated by the driver's steering operation, the steering system friction amount disappears. Therefore, when the application of the applied torque is terminated by the driver's steering operation, the setting of the sudden decrease range of the applied torque is stopped, and the applied torque is reduced to 0 without suddenly decreasing without setting the sudden decrease range of the applied torque. Let

  The procedure after the applied torque reduction process is started will be described below. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure after the applied torque reduction section process is started.

  When the applied torque decrease section process is started, it is determined whether or not the application torque decrease section process is shifted to the applied torque decrease section process by the steering operation when the process proceeds to the applied torque decrease section process (S11). As a result, when a transition is made to the applied torque reduction section due to an end condition other than the steering operation, a torque reduction process with a steep slope is performed (S12).

  In this case, as shown by a solid line Q1 in FIG. 12, in the applied torque reduction section (Close section), first, applied torque reduction processing due to a steep slope is performed. In the applied torque reduction process due to the steep slope, the range of the steering system friction amount is set as the sudden decrease range, and the applied torque is suddenly reduced within this sudden decrease range. In this way, by rapidly reducing the applied torque, the applied torque can be quickly reduced to 0 without causing the driver to feel uncomfortable.

  Thereafter, when the sudden decrease process of the applied torque within the sudden decrease range is completed, a torque decrease process using a gentle gradient is performed (S13). In the applied torque reduction process at a gentle gradient, even if the applied torque is reduced, the applied torque is reduced at a change rate such that the driver does not feel uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, in step S11, when the process shifts to the applied torque decrease section process by the steering operation, the steering system friction amount is lost by the steering operation. In this case, as shown by the broken line Q2 in FIG. 12, the applied torque is decreased with a gentle gradient without setting the sudden decrease range ((S13), thus ending the process of the applied torque decreasing section (S13). .

  As described above, when the sudden decrease range is set in the applied torque decrease section process, the applied torque decrease process can be performed in a short time without giving the driver a feeling of strangeness. When the sudden decrease range is set, for example, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 13, the angle between the direction of the host vehicle after the control and the white line W on the road R becomes the vehicle deflection angle θA. On the other hand, when the sudden decrease range is not set, for example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 13, the angle between the direction of the host vehicle after the control and the white line W on the road R is the vehicle deflection angle θB. Become. At this time, the vehicle deflection angle θA when the sudden decrease range is set is smaller than the vehicle deflection angle θB when the rapid decrease range is not set. Therefore, when the sudden decrease range is set, the vehicle deflection angle after the end of the control can be reduced, and the vehicle can be returned at an angle close to the direction along the lane.

  Based on the above idea, the waveform of the applied torque shown in FIG. 5 in the deviation mitigation control target torque in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is set as follows.

  The waveform of the applied torque is composed of four sections, a Start section, a Keep section, a Close section, and a Freeze section. First, the waveform of the Keep section is determined by the maximum applied torque obtained in step S3. In the Keep section, the applied torque that is the maximum applied torque is continuously added. The stay time in the Keep section is determined by calculating the time until returning from the lane departure state based on the vehicle speed, the vehicle width, the offset amount of the own vehicle, and the like. However, when the application end condition is a condition other than the return from the lane departure state, the process shifts to the Close section when the application return condition is satisfied.

  After the setting of the Keep section, the initial value of the applied torque in the Start section is set. As the initial value of the applied torque, the torque amount X shown in FIG. 10 which is the steering system friction amount determined based on the friction characteristic of the steering mechanism is set as the initial value of the applied torque as it is. By making the steering system friction amount the initial value of the applied torque, the vehicle behavior for preventing departure occurs early, and the driver can feel the applied torque.

  Next, since the stay time in the Start section is determined to be a fixed time, for example, 0.4 sec, the rate of change of the applied torque in the Start section is determined by the initial value of the applied torque and the maximum applied torque. The applied torque is increased by this rate of change. Since the staying time in the Start section is set to a fixed time, a sufficient deviation margin time can be ensured even in a high vehicle speed range.

  Subsequently, the waveform of the Close section is determined. In the Close section, the waveform is determined according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the transition to the Close section is caused by a condition other than the steering operation, a sudden decrease range is set, and a waveform for suddenly decreasing the applied torque until the applied torque corresponding to the steering system friction amount is reduced. To do. Thereafter, when the applied torque corresponding to the steering system friction amount decreases, the waveform is such that the applied torque is reduced at a change rate that does not cause the driver to feel uncomfortable even if the applied torque is reduced. In this way, the application of applied torque can be completed early without causing the driver to feel uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, when the transition to the Close section is performed by a steering operation, although not shown in FIG. 5, the change is such that the driver does not feel uncomfortable even if the applied torque is decreased without setting the sudden decrease range. Set the waveform to decrease the applied torque at a rate. Thus, even if the applied torque is reduced, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable.

It is a block block diagram of the driving assistance device which concerns on this invention. It is a front view of a meter. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the driving assistance device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the driving | running route of the vehicle at the time of when not performing the deviation prevention assistance in the vehicle which drive | works a road. It is a graph which shows the example of the waveform of the applied torque in deviation prevention assistance. (A) is a graph showing a setting example in which the applied torque is constant regardless of the vehicle speed, (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the vehicle speed and the yaw rate when the setting of (a) is made, and (c) is (a). It is a graph which shows the relationship between the vehicle speed at the time of setting to (4), and a yaw rate. (A) A graph showing a setting example for increasing the applied torque according to the vehicle speed, (b) a graph showing a relationship between the vehicle speed and the yaw rate when the setting of (a) is made, and (c) a setting of (a). Is a graph showing the relationship between the vehicle speed and the yaw rate. (A) A graph showing a setting example in which the applied torque is increased according to the vehicle speed and an upper limit value is set for the applied torque, and (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the vehicle speed and the yaw rate when the setting of (a) is made. (C) is a graph which shows the relationship between the vehicle speed at the time of setting to (a), and a yaw rate. It is a graph which shows the time change of the applied torque used for the comparison with the past. It is a graph which is used for the setting of the initial value of applied torque, and shows the relationship of applied torque with respect to lateral acceleration. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure after the application torque reduction area process start. It is a graph which shows the time change of applied torque. It is a figure explaining the driving | running | working miracle of the vehicle in the case where the sudden decrease range of the applied torque in the applied torque reduction area is set, and the case where it does not set.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Driving assistance device, 10 ... Deviation prevention assistance ECU, 11 ... Vehicle speed detection means, 12 ... Steering torque detection means, 13 ... White line recognition camera, 14 ... Brake switch, 15 ... Winker switch, 16 ... Main switch, 17 ... Steering Torque application means, 18 ... alarm buzzer, 19 ... meter, 21 ... speed meter, 22 ... tachometer, 23 ... deviation prevention support execution display, 24 ... steering control execution display, 25 ... white line recognition display, 26 ... radar cruise display, 27: Radar cruise setting speed display, C1: traveling route, C2: traveling route, M: own vehicle, R ... road, W ... white line.

Claims (13)

In the driving assistance device for preventing the lane departure by adding a warning torque to the vehicle when the lane departure determining means determines that the running vehicle departs from the lane,
A driving assistance device that determines an alarm torque to be applied to the vehicle based on a vehicle speed of the vehicle.   The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein the warning torque is increased as the vehicle speed of the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle departs from a lane.   3. The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein when the alarm torque is applied to the vehicle, the alarm torque is set to have a constant yaw rate generated in the vehicle.   The driving support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an upper limit value is set for an alarm torque applied to the vehicle.   The driving support device according to claim 4, wherein the upper limit value is an alarm torque at a reference vehicle speed.   The rate of change of the warning torque until the maximum value of the warning torque is reached based on the maximum value of the warning torque applied to the vehicle. Driving assistance device.   The driving support device according to claim 6, wherein the rate of change of the alarm torque is set so that the time until the alarm torque reaches a maximum value is constant. In the driving assistance device for preventing the lane departure by adding a warning torque to the vehicle when the lane departure determining means determines that the running vehicle departs from the lane,
After increasing the alarm torque, when decreasing the increased alarm torque, the absolute value of the rate of change of the alarm torque when the alarm torque increases and when the alarm torque decreases is set to a different value. A driving support device.   The driving support device according to claim 8, wherein the absolute value of the rate of change when the alarm torque is increased is set to a value larger than the absolute value of the rate of change when the alarm torque is decreased. In the driving assistance device for preventing the lane departure by adding a warning torque to the vehicle when the lane departure determining means determines that the running vehicle departs from the lane,
In increasing the alarm torque to the maximum value, the alarm torque rapid increase range is set from the start of increase, and the alarm torque increase rate in the rapid increase range is larger than the alarm torque increase rate after the rapid increase range. A featured driving support device.   In reducing the alarm torque from the maximum value, a sudden decrease range of the alarm torque is set from the start of reduction, and the alarm torque decrease rate in the sudden decrease range is larger than the alarm torque decrease rate after the sudden decrease range. Item 10. The driving support device according to Item 10.   The driving support device according to claim 11, wherein an absolute value of an increase rate of the alarm torque in the sudden decrease range is smaller than an absolute value of the decrease rate of the alarm torque in the rapid increase range. The lane departure prevention process by adding warning torque is set to end by steering operation,
The driving support apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein when the termination process is performed by the steering operation, the setting of the sudden decrease range is stopped.

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